A Childhood Cancer Survivor Blogging about the World of Childhood Cancer

Posts tagged ‘childhood cancer’

Letters to and from Jessie Rees’s Daddy

Grace

 

 

 

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

~Mother Teresa

From Jessie Rees Foundation Facebook Page 1-24-2013

 https://www.facebook.com/JessieReesFoundation

 

“My Jessie Journal:: Hi Sweet-Pea! I miss you so much. It has been really hard for us after your one year Heaven date. I think I have been medicating myself with busyness and not really dealing with some stuff that I need to. Bottom-line is I’m mad at God. I’m not turning my back on him but I am mad. It took me years to understand why He let my dad physically and emotionally abuse me when I was a little boy. But I’ve learned there are certain things in life that I won’t fully understand until I’m with you. So I will add that to my “talk to God bucket”. The main reason I’m mad now is the immense residual pain your fight has left on our family. I don’t like seeing your mommy, sister and little bro cry. I just want to take aware their pain like I wanted to take away your cancer. But I can’t. And as a dad that prides himself on being a great “daddy” not being able to take pain away and protect my kids is so hard. Then I think of the million+ other families that sit with the same residue in their heart. I have been able to help some of these families navigate their grief the last year, which is a good thing but I just reminds me of the broken brutal world we live in. This is not heaven!!! There is a little saying that says, “Life Hurts…God Heals”. I fully understand the “life hurts” part and want to believe God “heals” but after months of praying, pleading, begging, negotiating with Him for your healing and then getting no earthly healing it really was hard. So again, I’m left to “trust” in God. My counselor is challenging me to “fall back in love with God”. That seems so distant but sometimes in life there are situations that call for us to move forward despite our feelings and fears. So I’m going to focus on your little motto and message NEGU to keep my momentum going as I repair my relationship with God and strive to help mommy, Shaya and JT. NEGU on God and NEGU on Life is what I need to focus on.  If you get a chance, please visit in my prayers. I would love to hear, “I’m ok daddy”. I know in my head you are but my heart would love to hear from you.  Miss you tons, love your more and I will see you in a “wink”. I promise!”

Jessie’s father’s cry breaks my heart. It breaks my heart. Little kids are not supposed to suffer; they are not supposed to die. The emotional damage of childhood cancer is deep, and it’s something so painful that we have difficulty acknowledging it. If we have never experienced the horror ourselves, we feel much better not getting close to those feelings. Those feelings are unimaginable—if we even go to the place of imagining… oh my gosh… it might happen to us!!!

But the trouble with turning away is that this same nightmare will continue its devastation on children and their entire families. We must ask ourselves how we can stop it and then do everything we can, as fast as we can, to get it done.

We need research for cures for childhood cancer. With proper funding, cures are within our reach.

Dear Mr. Rees,
 
I can hardly see as I write this to you. I will always remember this message of yours. Before this day, I had already dedicated my life to doing all that I can to bring cures for children with cancer. What I want you to know is that your heart has renewed, inspired, and encouraged my fight.
If I may encourage you in your faith, it would be a great blessing. We hear all the time that “God is in control,” but what I would love for you to consider is that He gave all of us free will. If “our will” was to cure childhood cancer, it would have already been done. We are missing what is right in front of us. We have the tools, the resources, and the knowledge. But our will, as a society, is twisted into false perceptions because what we imagine to be truly important is oftentimes nonsense. One example… how much did we spend in the United States last year on cosmetic surgery?  Since I asked this, I had to look it up… $10.4 BILLION…
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. My prayer is that your pain will transform people’s lives– like it has mine– to help them to make choices based on care, compassion, kindness, and love. I pray you grow closer to our loving, living God. You have made an imprint on my heart forever. I wish there was a way I could thank you.
 
With hope for all of our futures,
 
Melinda

What can YOU do?

Please take a moment to sign this petition:

Light the White House Gold for the month of September to honor pediatric cancer fighters.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/light-white-house-gold-month-september-honor-pediatric-cancer-fighters-and-bring-light-cause/syV6M6wX

St. Baldrick’s Shave

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/melinda

St Baldrick's Flyer

 

 

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The National Children’s Cancer Society and One Day Soon…

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

Article 23 “Children who have any kind of disability should have special care and support, so that they can lead full and independent lives.”

~From UNICEF Children’s Rights and Responsibilities Leaflet

http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/files/rights_leaflet.pdf

Ask any childhood cancer survivor about survival, and they will undoubtedly tell you about people and organizations that helped them through their darkest of times. Thankfully, there are organizations that help survivors live “full and independent lives.” The National Children’s Cancer Society is one of these vitally important organizations.  I am personally grateful to NCCS for assisting me with my education at Pepperdine University with a Beyond the Cure Scholarship.  After suffering the financial devastation that comes along with childhood cancer, families are in even greater need of assistance to send their children to college.  Offering educational scholarships is one of the ways that NCCS gives “special care and support” to children who are fighting—or have fought—childhood cancer.

The National Children’s Cancer Society’s mission:

“The mission of The National Children’s Cancer Society is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide.

We serve as a financial, emotional and educational resource for those in need at every stage of illness and recovery. In the United States, we ease the financial burdens that accompany major illness, give crucial support and address the challenges of survivorship. Abroad, we provide lifesaving pharmaceutical drugs and medical supplies to facilities that treat children with cancer.”

http://www.thenccs.org/AboutNCCS

The history of NCCS is fascinating to me. This organization was born in the late 80’s because BMT’s, bone marrow transplants, were becoming viable forms of treatment for some types of childhood cancers, but insurance companies would not cover the cost.

“Since its inception, the NCCS has provided more than $57 million in direct financial assistance to more than 34,000 children. The organization works closely with over 300 hospitals and pediatric oncology units throughout US and reaches thousands more through its ongoing education programs and materials.”

NCCS’s Pediatric Oncology Program, or POP, provides emotional and financial assistance to families in the midst of the emotional and financial devastation that is childhood cancer. They recognize that the burdens the families bear are extraordinary. NCCS even assigns caseworkers who will guide families through the treacherous, unknown “waters” they have been thrust into. The peace of mind of having someone available with information/advice makes this an enormously valuable service.

http://www.thenccs.org/help_during

Educational Services are one other type of service that NCCS provides, through web conferences for healthcare professionals and childhood cancer survivors and through regional survivorship conferences.

http://www.thenccs.org/webconference

“The National Children’s Cancer Society’s Beyond the Cure Survivorship Program provides funding to hospitals across the U.S. to host survivorship conferences in their local community.”

Schedule of Web Conferences:

http://www.thenccs.org/regional_conferences

 In addition, The National Children’s Cancer Society provides educational services for pediatric oncology nurses. Ped/Onc Nurses can earn up to eight hours of continuing education credit, with no charge. They will award one credit hour for each program.

https://www.thenccs.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=715

One final way NCCS serves to educate about childhood cancer is through publications and video available through their website.

http://www.thenccs.org/pubs-vids

The National Children’s Cancer Society is able to provide “special care and support” to children with cancer and to survivors through:

Private Donations:

https://www.thenccs.org/donateGeneral

Fundraising Teams:

http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/team?ftid=6717 

Corporate Partners:

http://www.thenccs.org/corporatePartners

Events:

http://www.thenccs.org/events

I must comment on this one–my dad, Stooge-fan-extraordinaire, will be first in line for this one!!!

Thrift Stores:

http://www.thenccs.org/thrift

Charity Vending:

This is a way for business owners to help children with cancer and their families.

 http://www.thenccs.org/charityvend

Treasure Chest Vending:

“The NCCS has partnered with Accessit Corp. of Canada on its new Treasure Chest machines. As their exclusive US charity partner, this program generates support for our Pediatric Oncology Program.”

http://www.thenccs.org/treasureChest

In addition to all of the services and resources I have mentioned, The National Children’s Cancer Society acts swiftly to assist families in times of natural disasters, like Sandy. Disrupted communication services caused by super-storm Sandy left children in treatment in even more danger, and NCCS acted to bridge those temporary gaps.

I love that NCCS was born out of a huge need that they filled, helping save children’s lives and families’ financial stability. I love that NCCS has a huge variety of services available to help families in the middle of the Crisis Of Their Lives. I love that NCCS recognizes the difficulties of survivor-ship and how they provide where there is great need.

Finally, I am grateful to NCCS for my Beyond the Cure Scholarship. I will always be grateful and show my gratitude by giving everything I have to my studies. May my cancer story come full circle to be able to help children through their cancer journey, to help gather funds for pediatric research, and to one day be able to conduct my own childhood cancer research—that will lead to cures for childhood cancer.

The National Children’s Cancer Society gives me hope; they give me hope that one day there will be no need for a National Children’s Cancer Society. Without a doubt, I know they feel the same.

One day…

One day soon…

Austin Munoz –Moorpark Football Senior Night

http://www.nationalchildrenscancersociety.com/

http://www.melindamarchiano.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-A-Childs-Intimate-Journey-Through-Cancer-and-Recovery/149423578414076?ref=hl

 

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“Failure Is Not An Option”

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 

May the children suffer no more….may parents forever have their children…may all who turn a blind eye and think that this will magically happen by itself have their minds and hearts opened to who will actually propel change- them…us…you…me… ♥ ~Melinda

 

This is an excerpt from PAC2’s interview with Kathleen Ruddy, the Executive Director of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  This year, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $32 million dollars for pediatric cancer research. I cannot mention fundraising and St. Baldrick’s without giving a huge shout-out to ladies I love with all my heart, the 46 Mommas. I love how Kathleen Ruddy compares the mission of winning the “war” on childhood cancer to previous U.S. ambitious missions, like going to the moon…

In 1961, when President Kennedy challenged America to send a man safely to the moon and back by the end of the decade, he didn’t say, “but only if we stay within a certain budget.”  The goal was the moon, and the reason to shoot for the moon was to expand human knowledge, extend man’s exploration, and advance science.  He also acknowledged it would be hard and expensive.  We have no less ambitious a mission, and probably a more difficult one.  It’s also more precious as our children’s lives depend upon it and with them, our future.  

The notion of shared sacrifice is something our organization was built upon.  The World War II generation understood that each citizen must work and sacrifice together to achieve victory.  Our country came together again to win the space race.  It’s time we pull together again to finally win the war on cancer, and ensure that children fighting cancer not only survive, but thrive. 

This excerpt makes me think of a lot, including my brother Nicholas. When he was ten years old, someone asked Nicholas what his favorite movie was.

He quickly answered, “Apollo 13.”

(Yes, the person’s jaw dropped as he pondered the uniqueness of this ten-year-old’s choice in movies!)

 My brain dinged and chimed with quotes from Apollo 13 as they spun like pin-balls and connected to the world of childhood cancer…

 ***Funding for pediatric cancer research is critically low. Children have NO VOICE.

 “Houston, we have a problem.” ~Jim Lovell

 ***Far, far too many children are being tortured and taken away…

 “So long Earth. Catch you on the flip side.” ~Jack Swigert

***Kathleen Ruddy is correct. If our country will pull together with meaning, purpose, focus, and sacrifice, we can win the war against childhood cancer.

“With all due respect sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour.” ~Gene Krantz

***With seven children dying each day from cancer in the United States, it absolutely must be time—right now—to pour money, time, sweat, and guts into ending childhood cancer. We must treat this reality with the urgency it requires. Because…

“Failure is not an option.” ~Gene Krantz

Failure really is not an option. Warriors, like Lane, continue to fight while we either decide to act, or stand aside.

United States Flag for Lane Goodwin

Update for Lane:

“This morning has been a little better. Lane is a lot more lucid & calm 🙂 God is working really hard through Lane, us & others to bring awareness/funding/ cure to Childhood Cancer! We had a wonderful visit with Congressman Ed Whitfield, District Director Michael Pape & Field Representative Edward West. Lane was sleeping but he was excited to get the US Flag that was flown over the Capitol in Honor of him. We will have a big announcement this weekend :)”

Please feel free to copy, paste, and tweet!

We call the #NumberOneDiseaseKillerOfChildren in the U.S. #Rare #SoundsPrevalentToMe #ChildhoodCancer #FundPediatricCancerResearch

 

 

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This Symphony will be a Masterpiece– “Music” to Change the World

 

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer.

Always remember, you have within you the strength,

the patience, and the passion to

reach for the stars to change the world.”
~Harriet Tubman

Patience is a tough one. We live in the age of The Instantaneous, which makes patience even more difficult to learn, being direly devoid of societal examples. But, anything worth our time and attention also requires our patience. I say this as I think of Mike Gillette, who has been pouring himself into the production of the childhood cancer documentary, The Truth 365. This project is not only enormous, it is delicate. Maybe it is because of this delicacy that it has never been done like this before. The World of Childhood Cancer is a sticky, tricky place to step into. Further, the thought of gathering information from diverse sources and compiling it into a visual call to action for pediatric cancer research is overwhelming to me! His task is nothing short of Conducting a Symphony. Only someone with tremendous love and passion would take on such a task—only a dreamer. Without a doubt, after meeting and working with Mike, I know he is a dreamer. Without a doubt, he has the “patience and passion to reach for the stars to change the world” of childhood cancer.

Our impatience tells us, “Hurry up and release the film!!!” Wisdom takes over and lets us know that there must be very good reasons for the wait. As this project has developed, it has taken on a “life.” There have been surprises and opportunities arising each day, and I trust Mike completely—which means patience. I admire his patience in choosing to make this film the best it can possibly be, and making the priority the children, instead of the awaiting, impatient audience. I will be the first to admit that I cannot wait to see it; I cannot wait to share it. When impatience knocks, I envision Mike juggling all kinds of things I could never imagine, and my selfishness shamefully subsides. Mike loves the kids, and his vision, compassion, and passion will be clearly evident when The Truth 365 is complete.

Thank you to all of the families, childhood cancer patients, siblings, doctors, teachers, and volunteers for your contributions of time and for your outpouring of support for this project. I patiently await the masterpiece I know will be arriving, via Mike Gillette, our Change the World of Childhood Cancer Conductor. 

Blessings to you Mike. May mountains move… all for our dearly loved children.

“For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice – no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service.”       ~ John Burroughs

*** Thank you to Carina Corral and KSBY for your continued support to help children with cancer!

http://www.ksby.com/news/documentary-on-childhood-cancer-hosted-by-a-nipomo-teen-cancer-survivor-set-to-be-released-sunday/

Go Lane! Fire Department New Albany, IN

More and more support for Lane Goodwin!

Someone showed their love for this little boy by making him a Halloween Costume that included his wheelchair!

Update for my last post– Justin’s Tribute to Avalanna 9-29-12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sh3tmWFlB4&feature=youtu.be

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Justin and Avalanna, Mr. and Mrs. Bieber

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broken hearts.

News today of Avalanna’s passing is heartbreaking. This beautiful little girl has captured the hearts of millions of people who have come to know her as “Justin Bieber’s wife.”

This morning,

RIP Avalanna is trending on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/i/#!/search/?q=%22RIP+Avalanna%22&src=tren

Avalanna’s Story from Stand Up To Cancer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYRaPMcyL_g

Avalanna’s bravery, her exuberant personality, and her sheer loveable-ness needs to become a part of all of us. We, as adults in this complex society, tend to focus on the little daily things that pester and annoy us. When we look into the face of Avalanna, when we hear about all that she has dealt with, when we feel the pure, sparkling love spilling from her into our lives, we realize our focus is not where it needs to be. We realize we have a responsibility to respond.

Our response needs to be love for all children fighting cancer.

What joy Avalanna must have received from all of Justin’s love and attention! This really, really touches me. I will never forget what it meant to me to have love and support from someone I looked up to during my cancer treatments—Patricia Barker.

From Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery:

My hands began to shake, and my eyes became two glaciers, melting and forming rivers upon my cheeks.

 Patricia Barker . . . oh my gosh. I had watched her farewell performance at the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle the previous June, in celebration of my thirteenth birthday. She inspired me. Her fluidity, musicality, and strength left me in awe. I was stunned by her grace . . . inside and out. Gasping for breath, I looked to Mom. I remained speechless. There were no words, truly, no words. Soaking up the beautiful moment, I realized that cancer had created it. Well, not cancer itself, but me having it. It was these times that I saw the other side of cancer. I knew I would not be standing there—my body numb, my eyes gushing, and that letter in my hands—if not for it. Cancer is battle after battle, struggle after struggle. And then, something beautiful happens that keeps you going.

 Venturing back into the package, my hand met something hard. The object was not in view, but I knew, from the feel and shape, exactly what it was. The only thing was . . . I didn’t believe it. My mind wouldn’t let me. Delicately pulling the precious gift from its royal sheath, a flash flood occurred in my eyeballs.

It was pointe shoes . . . her pointe shoes.

 “To Melinda” was visible on the tip of one shoe.

A gold ribbon tied the two slippers together, creating an almost angelic presentation.

 Oh my gosh. My heart pounded. I could not believe what was happening to me. After suffering so much, I almost felt it was too good to be true, like I didn’t deserve it or anything. My mouth hung open, my breathing was awkward, and my face was hot and red from crying. I lost it—completely lost it. Burying my head in my arms, I cried so hard that it hurt. Never had anything touched me in such a way. To hear encouragement to keep fighting from someone who I admired was breathtakingly unimaginable.

 Her letter was filled with wisdom, hope, and an understanding of what it is like to have a hindrance affect the dance in your life. She also told me that when I beat cancer, I would dance again with a new love and passion. Her certainty made me believe her and gave me a ray of light in the view of my future.

 She concluded by saying, “I will look for you on the big stage of life.”

 Ms. Barker, your words are eloquent, and they’ve had a huge impact on my life. What you did for me will forever remain in my heart.

 I believe Avalanna has taken all of Justin’s love straight to heaven with her. What a beautiful, heart-wrenching, uplifting, and inspiring story of love! My prayer is that this Love Story will inspire many others to open their hearts and give everything inside it away.

 Justin, please don’t stop. You may be young, but your actions show mature compassion and strong leadership. Please keep leading with love.

 Avalanna…

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Can You Feel the Heartbeat?

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

“Lane’s night has been a lot better than his morning. He has actually ate some food. God please hear the Prayers across the World for a Miracle for our sweet boy!”

 

 

Today, on launch day for The Truth 365 Childhood Cancer Documentary, I bring you The Heartbeat of Childhood Cancer. Today, Lane Goodwin continues fighting as Thumbs up For Lane grows beyond everyone’s expectations. While I absolutely love hearing of all the communities and celebrities who are joining the army of support for Lane, I can’t help remembering the children who are fighting and dying in silence… without worldly support. I send my love and Thumbs Up For Lane on this day, along with love for all other childhood cancer heroes.

http://now.msn.com/cancer-patients-facebook-page-surpasses-100000-likes

http://www.14news.com/story/19610403/community-gathers-in-support-of-lane-goodwin
 https://www.facebook.com/PrayersforLaneGoodwin

 The words, thoughts, and feelings from families of our heroes capture The Heartbeat of Childhood Cancer…

 Prayers for Will
‎”3:00 am this morning our beautiful boy passed away after the bravest, most courageous battle with brain cancer. Our ‘Iron’ Will exemplified an unbelievable ‘Will’ power that left our family humbled and inspired. Yesterday morning his breathing was so shallow he was unable to get the words out but even so would mouth the words from time to time he loved us. Several times throughout the day, evening and night our family gathered around him to be with him as his heart would beat so faintly and his breaths so shallow we knew it was his time. After a few minutes of hearing our voices his heart would pump and his breathing would increase and he would rally the fight again. By early morning our nurse who has cared for so many patients in their last hour was completely baffled and said she had never seen anyone as strong, brave and courageous as Will fight such a battle and be so concerned to the end of worrying about his family. He didn’t want to leave us. After watching him suffer we were praying for him to go on his journey. Tears flowed down his precious face as breaths and heartbeats faded away….and then peace. His eyes opened and you could see him looking for a time…and then he was gone. Our family gathered around him and Jake prayed that Heavenly Father would be there to greet him and comfort him as he left his earthly family behind, how thankful we were for the privilege of knowing and having this precious boy in our lives and the examples he set for us. It was a spiritual experience our family shall cherish. This afternoon Allen and I will start making arrangements and we will update you. We still have much to share, our hope is you will continue to travel with us on this journey and embrace the legacy of our Iron Will. God Bless. Keep the Faith and never like Will let life defeat you. Enjoy the Journey. Trena and Family.”
 Support for Rylie
“My daughter was diagnosed with ALL this past April. My husband is a Navy pilot and was deployed on the USS Abe Lincoln in the Persian Gulf at the time. He was flown home immediately and we were reunited at the hospital. A few later we were amazed to learn that his squadron painted my daughter’s name on his jet along with a ribbon bearing her name. All the pilots also added the orange ribbon with her name to their flight helmets. Throughout the duration of their deployment the jet with Rylie’s name flew combat missions in Afghanistan”
 “So results are in. We learned that (her) cancer is small cell, and harder to treat. We learned that there are other cancers that share the same cells. We also learned that there simply are no more treatment options. We learned that to exhaust all standard treatment, surgery options, radiation treatments, and oh maybe 8 Or so (lost count) trials takes close to three quarters of a decade. We learned that our fears are now what we know. I still pray every day for that one researcher in a lab somewhere to holler “EUREKA!!!, WE FOUND THE CURE!!!” I hold that hope, gripping it tight, knowing all the while that funding is dismal at best, and osteosarcoma is an orphan cancer. That one tiny beam of hope is why I am able to get out of bed every morning, and I won’t let it go. Telling me to stay positive won’t make me un-know what I wish I didn’t know. It’s crazy, Im crazy, and it all sucks. If I ever hit the lottery,,, well, maybe somebody else’s daughter would have a fighting chance. Even if a miracle happened today, (she) has permanent damage to her bones, spine, organs… I have just been so heartbroken. That little beam of hope that shines on me like a flicker of sunlight through a storm cloud sure has a big job to do. Peace and love, (  ) Mom”

Can you feel it?

This is the Heartbeat of Childhood Cancer.

Go Gold Childhood Cancer Awareness

 

Opportunity to take Action from PAC2:

People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2) via Van Andel Institute
“It takes action to fight childhood cancer. Researchers research. Doctors doctor and nurses nurse. Advocates advocate. And the parents and kids….well, you know what they do. 

Today we ask PAC2 Facebook members to take action to raise $10,000 to fight childhood cancer. No cost except two minutes of your time.

Dell Services will donate up to $30k to our friends at the Van Andel Institute for every view of the video link below. So far they’ve raised $20k. 

If each and every PAC2 member watches you will have raised $10,000 to fight childhood cancer.”

 

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Pediatric Cancer Research Revolution

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

I bring you updates on Lane Goodwin today. From Lane’s mom:

 Prayers for Lane Goodwin

“Oh My heart is smiling! I got to see my sweet boy walk! He demanded to go to the bathroom so we picked him up & took him in the wheel chair. He then demanded to walk & did with assistance on 2 occasions!! He says he is in no pain & is currently only on seizure & anti-nausea meds. I noticed him just starring at the ceiling. I asked what he was doing & he said “God is showing me my past.” We continue to pray for a miracle & also continue to reassure him if God says it’s time to go home that it’s ok to go. We are completely in shock about how many people are praying, loving & following our sweet boy’s journey. Thumbs up for Lane is absolutely unbelievable!! We told Lane about all the people, professional athletes, news channels, schools, celebrity’s, radio stations across the country that are posting Thumbs up pictures & he smiled the biggest smile 🙂 Thank you to everyone for loving our family!”
 Lane’s spirit has touched many people– so many that Thumbs Up for Lane is becoming big news!

Story on MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49105190/ns/local_news-louisville_ky/t/viral-campaign-gives-boy-fighting-cancer-thumbs/#.UFutAY2uaSo
 The unimaginable hardship and gut-wrenching pain that these families endure has to stop. Our world lost a beautiful soul to childhood cancer recently, in Taylor Filorimo. “Pray for Tay” was the motto while she fought so bravely. Tay’s mom, Maria, continues the fight against childhood cancer with a new motto, “Live for Tay.”

 Maria Coleman Filorimo, Tay’s mom:

 “I promised you “My Voice” will never Go Away. YOUR GOLD Project will be known by All, We will bring Awareness, I LOVE YOU.”

 “It’s not just Riverdale.” Tay, “You are the destiny of change.”

 http://www.dnj.com/videonetwork/1828225843001/Maria-Filorimo-talks-about-her-daughter?fb_action_ids=4321123873658&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_ref=videoplayer&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366

My friends at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation asked me to share this link for childhood cancer patients. This is a very helpful tool—please check it out!

From Alex’s Lemonade Stand

 https://www.childhoodcancerjournal.com/

 I also want to share this link from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation about the recent Childhood Cancer Symposium in Washington, D.C.

 News from the Childhood Cancer Symposium Via Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

 http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/symposium-childhood-cancer/2012-resources

 One more bit of great news from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation by way of PAC2:

“Our annual kudos to our friends at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for another round of Bridge & Springboard Grants. Bridge Grants are intended to keep scientist’s projects on track while they reapply for NIH funding to ensure novel childhood cancer research projects are not compromised. Springboard Grants are in response to cut-backs in NIH funding of new applications. The Springboard Grant is designed to jump-start new projects with high impact potential for childhood cancer research while other funding is sought.”

 http://www.alexslemonade.org/grants/bridge-grants

 While I am sharing, this WONDERFUL photo came to me via Twitter:

AnnaBell

pic.twitter.com/8EMXrBN”

Dear God, I don’t want to puke.   Love, Bree

 Finally, I would like to share this…

The Truth 365 Day 7 Preview Laura Thrall President and CEO CureSearch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXil2qnMFkM&feature=youtu.be

Did I hear Laura Thrall say, “We are not competing?”

“We are not in competition, we are in cooperation.”

https://gracemelinda.com/2012/09/18/were-not-in-competition-were-in-co-operation/

(Is there an echo in here???!)

Aggregating for Efficiency…

I will call this the

Pediatric Cancer Research Revolution

September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

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The Extinction of Childhood Cancer

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“We will do everything we can to keep that bully away.”

~Father of a child with cancer   

from

The Truth 365               

Visual images are powerful. Sometimes, it is true that a picture says a thousand words. In order for us (I am talking about serious advocates for children with cancer) to progress to the next level of creating awareness in our society that will begin to truly save lives, we need togetherness, and we need a tool. These are two of my favorite things about The Truth 365 Documentary project. With the images that have been carefully taken and placed together, with many childhood cancer organization, hospitals, and doctors coming together, we have an opportunity before us to take a leap up that huge plateau that stands in the way of cures for childhood cancer. When people of the same interest and same passionate hearts join together, change can happen. We will “Keep That Bully Away!”

 “What change would you like to see happen, Melinda,” you say?

 Earlier Detection

80% of children who are diagnosed with cancer are diagnosed at advanced stages. This figure compare to 20% in adults.

Develop Less Toxic Treatments

Two thirds of children who survive childhood cancer have life-long effects from the treatment that helped save their life.

Seattle Children’s Hospital on my Make-A-Wish Hope Tour

These changes are only the tip of the iceberg. I want to be able to educate people– that 80% could be your child, or your grandchild, or your brother, or your sister. If people know the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, then maybe that 80% can drop dramatically. We can then detect childhood cancer sooner, have fewer missed diagnoses, and save more children’s lives.

I received an email today from a teacher who has been sharing The Truth 365 videos with her middle school class. They recently lost a beautiful girl from their town. Brielle battled cancer for many years, and the entire community gathered around to support her. This teacher wants to make a difference for Brielle, who obviously touched the town with her spirit. What a beautiful way to remember her, by helping others. The more we learn, the more we can protect our children, and the more we can become the compassionate, caring human beings we were placed here to be.

One of the best things we can do for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (which is every month of the year for me—not just September!!) is to learn more about it ourselves and help others learn.

Please share, please get involved.

Are you a teacher? You just may save a child’s life by sharing.

Finally, I want to thank Professor Kristen Coppola from Monmouth University for becoming the first University to support The Truth 365…

And to Pepperdine University for being the second! I love Pepperdine! I love each one of you who goes the extra mile to help by sharing. It will make a difference for suffering children who have no voice. What better use of our time and our lives?

The Truth 365 Day 6 Preview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuZ3tIY7GIA&feature=share

 I am checking to see if you have signed the petition—not scary—very quick—help the kids—you have the time!

 http://www.thetruth365.org/petition/

I love my calendar from St. Luke’s Mountain Tumor Institute in Boise:)

“I want to help be on the forefront of making childhood cancer extinct.”

~Melinda Marchiano

From The Truth 365 Day 6 Preview

 

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“We’re Not in Competition, We’re in Cooperation

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“Tell them to bring out the big guns because I’m not going down without a fight.”

~Lane Goodwin

“March 4, 2010 @ 10yrs old Lane was Dx with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma stage IV. He relapsed July 22, 2011 & May 8, 2012.”

This courageous young man has been on my mind, and he is so much in my heart.

When we boil the Childhood Cancer World down to its very essence, this is the nucleus– the reason why we do what we do. The children. Lane.

Pastor Rob at Church for Life begins each Sunday morning by asking the congregation to pray for others throughout the city, including other churches. He continues by saying, “We are not in competition, we aaaaaaaaaaaaaaare…”

Everyone replies, “… in cooperation.”

I see how this can apply to all of the childhood cancer organizations. We are all on the same team. A victory for one organization is a victory for all—because our end goal is the same—ending the suffering of children with cancer. We need to lift up and support each other. We need to act out of love for the children, and not out of pride for building the “biggest and best” organization.

We need to all be In Cooperation… for the kids.

Acting in cooperation, we can raise the funds we desperately need for research that will develop less toxic treatments for children with cancer. 

Quotes from the World of Childhood Cancer

“I remember once in the hospital when ( ) was 3, she wet the bed from all the IV fluid she was getting. Within seconds, nurses came running in all with gowns, gloves etc…all panic….saying we should not touch it….asking me to wash ( ) down (which she hated)…..and all I could think was we are pouring this awful chemo in to her veins but we can’t touch her pee.”
 
“Some parents held their children today for the last time as their life slipped away. Some parents are rubbing their children’s backs as they vomit up the only french fry they ate today because they are being given toxic poison to try to save their lives. Some parents are living in fear that the cancer could return tomorrow, or the next day, or the next. Some parents are watching their child play and smile, while they are holding back their tears knowing their is a monster growing inside of them trying to take their spirit away.”

Your Voice is Our Cure– Thank you to contributor!

Symposium

Pediatric Cancer in the 21st Century:

Harnessing Science to Improve Outcomes

http://www.washacadsci.org/

The Washington Academy of Sciences (WAS) and American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

 Friday, October 19, 2012

2 -4 PM with a reception to follow

AAAS Auditorium

1200 New York Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20005

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Nautica Malibu Triathalon

 

 

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Hunter

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

~Archbishop Desmond Tutu

 

Yesterday, I wrote about families who have suffered the greatest of losses who turn their grief into hope for kids of the future. Great loss and great suffering can serve as powerful motivators for good. The enormous challenge for those of us who work to raise awareness for childhood cancer is the delicacy of the task. If we pound people with horrible images of The Truth, (even though it is The Truth,) no one will look, and no one will learn. But if we combine those images of The Truth in a wise and compassionate way, like Mike Gillette has done for Day 3 Preview of The Truth 365, we can reach out to the humanity we are “bound up” with. I have HOPE that humanity will listen with delicate, sympathetic hearts, and engaged and active minds.

Yes, I would like all of humanity to become engaged in the mission of ending childhood cancer. Please don’t look at me with those crinkly eyebrows. It is not too much to ask all of humanity to care about these kids. 

The Truth 365 Healing Hunter Foundationhank you, Lenore and Zen, for sharing your gift of Hunter with the world.  (HealingHunterFoundation)

The Truth 365 Day 3 Preview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DudMv3_Brxk&feature=youtu.be

Lenore Davis, Hunter’s mom wrote beautiful thoughts from her heart on The Truth 365 Facebook page today…

“Woke up this morning with very puffy eyes. Didn’t realize Zen and I were going to see our lives flash in front us last night before we went to bed. It was almost as if a sweet lil’ piece of us died all over again. 

Watching the amazing tribute that TheTruth365 pieced together for Hunter was extremely touching and very heartwarming. We were not expecting to see so many deeply felt images of Hunter’s adorable face get placed to a song that seemed so appropriate. After viewing it, both of our faces laid in tear soaked pillows. Still in disbelief of what happened to our lil’ love. Zen reached over and held my hand, and as soon as a piece of his warm, loving body touched mine…I held on for dear life. Such a connection to Hunter I feel through him. Our pain coincides and our broken hearts collide in a way that I feel will bond us together forever, and keep Hunter sweetly by our sides. 

Thank you once again, Mike and TheTruth365, for honoring our precious Hunter amongst so many other special lil’ souls…those that have turned into golden angels and those that are still fighting. Zen and I are truly honored to be standing with you and feel ever so grateful to be contributing to this cause. These magnificent children are being heard and their words and their stories are tenderly piercing the hearts of thousands of individuals who can, and will, make a tremendous impact. 

Much love, strength and peace and many, many blessings to all of the families out there whose lives have been touched by childhood cancer. Lenore, Zen and Angel Hunter Zen”

Hunter…

Let our love for your beautiful face and your sweetest of spirits, guide us and strengthen us on the road to a cure.

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